and thumb around Old Man Willy’s old, boney wrist. People in town had bets on how old he really was, though never out in the open, only with trusted companions lest anyone see how rude they were being, but no one ever won. Even Old Man Willy’s niece didn’t know his age. Old Man Willy, who knew of the bets through the grapevine but never said a word about them, sighed before speaking. The stranger felt it with how close the two were, “That’s always what it’s like ‘ere: perfect,” Old Man Willy spat the last word as if it were poison. “You make it sound like that is not good.” the stranger spoke. Old Man Willy sighed again, and didn’t speak for a long time. The stranger remained silent, waiting for Old Man Willy to continue. “But time, it moves in strange ways here,” “What do you mean, sir?” The stranger asked. “I can’t remember the last time someone graduated from ‘tis town,” Old Man Willy said quietly, the stranger had bent forward to listen, his hand still on Old Man Willy’s wrist. “Or the last time someone had to go t’ the hospital.” He looks the stranger in the eye, “I’ve never been on no boat.” Surprised, the stranger dropped Old Man Willy’s wrist, who followed him onto the bed, and sat criss-cross next to the stranger. He moved lithely, far more agile than anyone who looked as old as him should have been able to move. “Ye don’t believe me,” Old Man Willy sounded desperate, “I swear it all t’ be true!” “I believe you,” the stranger spoke near silently, “I was simply unaware that anyone noticed but me.” Old Man Willy harrumphed. He crossed
his arms, only to let his hands drop to his thighs a moment later. At last, he spoke, “I’ll tell you as much of this town’s history as I can remember,” “Alright–” “If,” Old Man Willy continued, “You help me get out of here.” The two stared at each other for a moment, on the perfect lavender bed in the spotless purple room, in the most picturesque town in the world. “Deal,” The stranger said, and they shook hands, and made plans to meet in the morning, before Old Man Willy slipped seamlessly into the quiet night.
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